Gatlin out to win races, not popularity contest

EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) - Justin Gatlin skipped along the track during his workout, sunglasses on, seemingly without a care in the world.

And why not?

The 33-year-old American, who has served two doping bans, rocketed to a lifetime best of 9.74 seconds in the 100 meters on May 15 and last weekend equaled his fastest ever 200m (19.68) at the Prefontaine Classic.

Adoring fans kept him busy signing autographs for nearly an hour after his 200m win, but Gatlin's popularity is far from universal.

Calls for the sprinter to be kicked out of the sport due his doping suspensions, one of which was for four years, have been widespread, coming from fellow athletes, social media and newspaper columns.